Newsletter – July 2026
3rd August 2026
🌟 Ashdown Care Monthly Newsletter – October 2025 🌟
As we move into the colder months, we’d like to take a moment to thank every one of you for your continued hard work, care, and commitment. Across all our services, we’ve seen incredible examples of teamwork, creativity, and dedication to the people we support.
From seaside adventures to Halloween celebrations, your efforts continue to make every day special for those in our care — and it truly shows.
Thank you for all that you do!
🏡 Denmark Street
Ed and Margaret enjoyed a wonderful day at Beamish, complete with a tram ride, fish and chips, and a visit to the sweet shop. Staff members Chioma and Alison joined in the fun — especially the dancing in the hall!
Margaret, Ralph, Ron, and Ed had a fantastic five-day break at Butlin’s Skegness with Ellen and Alison.
Ralph loved the seal show 🐬, and Margaret enjoyed the markets (and treated herself to new clothes!).
Ed loved the live animal show, while Ron danced to the evening singers 🎶.
Highlights included a Queen tribute and a pantomime — plus Ellen’s unforgettable encounter with a mischievous goat who chased her for her shoes! 🐐
The group tucked into Ellen’s home cooking, plenty of fish and chips, and ice cream — they’re already counting down to their next trip!
🏠 Cheshire
Gary enjoyed a shopping trip to Newcastle, looking for his new winter coat.
A fashion show followed, with Gary showing off his coat with the fur collar, pretending to be in a band — great fun all round! 🎤
Exciting news — Johnson Lawson is back from Nigeria, where he recently tied the knot! Congratulations, Johnson! 💍
The team and people we support enjoyed decorating their homes for Halloween — a big thank you to everyone for getting creative! 🎃
🏡 Thurston
Paige, Erin, and Isabelle enjoyed a lovely day out at Beamish, exploring the exhibits and soaking up the autumn sunshine. 🍂
🌲 South Tyneside
We’re excited to share that South Tyneside have taken part with preparations for this year’s Winter Parade, themed “Woodlands Winter Wonderland.”
The first sessions have already begun, and the group has enjoyed a fantastic start — the fox ears workshop was a great success!
Week 1–2: Making fox masks, ears, tails, and accessories
Week 3–4: Decorating the giant fox structure and finishing costumes
Week 5: A special session with artist Emma to create large mistletoe pieces for the parade
A big thank you to Lynda and everyone involved for bringing such creativity and community spirit to this project. We can’t wait to see the final results at the parade!
👻 Ravenscroft & South Hill
Best friends Kim (Ravenscroft) and Deborah (South Hill) had a fantastic time at a Halloween party at the Slug & Lettuce, joined by staff Jade and Margaret.
The same group also enjoyed a weekend in Berwick, filled with amusements, Halloween workshops, sightseeing, and great food. 🍳🍽️
Paul and Deborah from South Hill also joined in the Halloween fun at the Teams Social Club, showing off their costumes!
Kim has been busy creating wonderful arts and crafts projects. 🎨
Rona achieved her Monthly goal — baking a cake! 🎂 Staff celebrated with a special certificate for her achievement. Great work Rona!
Sponsored Walk Along the Quayside!
Join Carolyn and Margaret for a sponsored walk to help raise money for new flooring and blinds!
Ravenscroft staff and service users will be taking part — and everyone is welcome to join in.
Bring your friends, family, and even your dogs — they’re welcome too! 🐶
📍 Start Point: 35–37 Close, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3RN
📍 Finish Point: 27 Amethyst Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YL
It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a stroll along the Quayside, have fun, and support a good cause. ❤️
🌊 Whitley
Brandon enjoyed a trip to Newcastle and proudly completed a deep clean of his bedroom — great job, Brandon!
Michael got into the Halloween spirit carving pumpkins 🎃
Brandon also showcased his Halloween decorations, adding extra cheer to the home.
Waverley
Scott has had an outstanding month of progress and positivity:
Successfully completed his Specsavers eye test and will soon receive new glasses. 👓
He’s consistently taking medication independently and engaging well with staff.
Scott has been reflecting on his feelings, showing maturity and growth.
He’s spent quality time with family — from trips to Jump Giants and the Gold Medal restaurant, to home visits and kickabouts in the garden.
He even tidied his bedroom, hung his washing, and made his bed — brilliant effort, Scott! 🌟
🏃 St Mary’s
Chris has been working hard on his health goals — walking daily and weighing in at Boots to track his progress. 💪
Henry and John had a great day at the Metro Centre’s Tree Top Golf — John even scored a hole-in-one on the 19th hole! ⛳
🎂 289 Eastbourne
Gillian and Stuart visited the Halloween lights and had a fun-filled trip to Beamish’s spooky walk, laughing, meeting new people, and enjoying a great night out. 👻
Compliments and Shoutouts
289 Eastbourne
🎵 Sound Room Success!
A staff member recently shared some wonderful feedback about the Sound Room sessions, highlighting the positive impact on service user engagement. Participants have shown greater communication, confidence, and enthusiasm during activities.
GM has made excellent progress with verbal communication and is now engaging more confidently with others.
MT takes pride in helping to tidy the room before leaving, showing increased responsibility and involvement.
SS consistently takes initiative by clearing trays and organising the drum kit and equipment after use.
Overall, service users are happier, more cooperative, and eager to contribute, demonstrating the powerful benefits of the Sound Room and the fantastic support provided by staff and volunteers.
Ravenscroft
Positive Feedback from Pest Control Contractor
Our Pest Control contractor mentioned how much he enjoys visiting Ravenscroft, describing it as a friendly place where there’s always a good laugh. It’s great to hear that our welcoming atmosphere extends to everyone who visits!
This month’s highlights truly showcase the warmth, creativity, and dedication of everyone across Ashdown Care. From holidays and health goals to arts, crafts, and Halloween fun — every story reflects the difference you make daily.
Thank you once again to all our staff for your enthusiasm and commitment — you’re the heart of what makes Ashdown so special.
Suggestions Link: https://forms.office.com/e/AZiGxgXsM7
A new suggestions link is now available for staff and service users.
Concerns form: https://forms.office.com/e/6CVAYSt9av
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Kind regards,
Ashdown Care
3rd August 2026
3rd July 2026
31st May 2026